Eurotopics.net

For the first time in the history of France, an ex-president has received a custodial sentence. A court in Paris has sentenced Nicolas Sarkozy to one year in prison without parole for illegal campaign financing. In a last-ditch attempt to win against François Hollande in the 2012 election, Sarkozy far exceeded the campaign budget limit. An event company helped to cover up the costs. Europe's press analyses the verdict.

Youtube blocked the Russian state-backed broadcaster RT's German-language channels on Wednesday on the grounds that they were spreading misinformation. Videos that try to turn opinion against officially approved vaccines will also be consistently deleted, the tech giant announced. Commentators say the Google subsidiary is making things too easy for itself.

Recent election victories in Germany and Norway have strengthened social democracy in Europe. The press delves into the reasons for this recent trend and how it seems to be bypassing certain countries.

Former police officer Wayne Couzens has been convicted of kidnapping, raping and murdering 33-year-old Sarah Everard and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The investigation of the crime and its institutional background is far from over, the media admonish.

The majority of Berliners voted on Sunday for the expropriation of housing belonging to private housing companies that own more than 3,000 apartments in the city. However, the vote is not legally binding. Media all over Europe are discussing the referendum. While some dismiss its goals as unrealistic, others see it as a sign of the times - and not just for Berlin.